Thursday, 25 December, 2025
The government has extended a warm welcome to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of his highly anticipated return to Bangladesh on Thursday morning, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Wednesday.
“We welcome his return,” Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, adding that all necessary cooperation requested by the BNP is being provided, including comprehensive security arrangements.
“Security measures are being coordinated in consultation with the party, taking their requirements into account. From our side, every effort has been made to ensure safety and smooth proceedings,” Alam said. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad was also present at the briefing.
Responding to questions about the investigation into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Alam said the government is prioritising the case. “We are receiving vital clues, and our efforts to investigate the matter remain at the highest level,” he noted, referring to recent arrests.
After 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London’s Heathrow Airport is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55am.
From the airport, Tarique will proceed to a public reception on the service lane of 300 Feet Road, where he will deliver a brief address to supporters. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed emphasised that Tarique will be the sole speaker to avoid public inconvenience and manage traffic effectively.
Following the reception, Tarique will visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently receiving treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara, to enquire about her health. He will then return to his residence in Gulshan.
His schedule for the following days includes paying respects at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman after Jumma prayers on Friday, as well as visiting the Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial. On Saturday, Tarique will be formally registered as a voter and pay tribute to Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will also visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) to meet victims injured during the July 2024 uprising.
Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent approximately 18 months in detention before leaving for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. While leading the party from abroad over the past 17 years, his homecoming marks the beginning of a more direct and active role in BNP affairs.
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The government has extended a warm welcome to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of his highly anticipated return to Bangladesh on Thursday morning, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Wednesday.
“We welcome his return,” Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, adding that all necessary cooperation requested by the BNP is being provided, including comprehensive security arrangements.
“Security measures are being coordinated in consultation with the party, taking their requirements into account. From our side, every effort has been made to ensure safety and smooth proceedings,” Alam said. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad was also present at the briefing.
Responding to questions about the investigation into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Alam said the government is prioritising the case. “We are receiving vital clues, and our efforts to investigate the matter remain at the highest level,” he noted, referring to recent arrests.
After 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London’s Heathrow Airport is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55am.
From the airport, Tarique will proceed to a public reception on the service lane of 300 Feet Road, where he will deliver a brief address to supporters. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed emphasised that Tarique will be the sole speaker to avoid public inconvenience and manage traffic effectively.
Following the reception, Tarique will visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently receiving treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara, to enquire about her health. He will then return to his residence in Gulshan.
His schedule for the following days includes paying respects at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman after Jumma prayers on Friday, as well as visiting the Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial. On Saturday, Tarique will be formally registered as a voter and pay tribute to Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will also visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) to meet victims injured during the July 2024 uprising.
Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent approximately 18 months in detention before leaving for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. While leading the party from abroad over the past 17 years, his homecoming marks the beginning of a more direct and active role in BNP affairs.
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